Gaming Router/Modem

[Tin Ribs]

Hello all, I have a wireless be unlimited upto 24meg connection running from a Speedtouch standard issue modem/router at the moment. Both my boys like playing DOW 2 online and I was wondering if there is an alternative wireless N combo that fits the bill. They like playing at the same time so it would have to be able to accomodate two connections. Tried some research and Draytek seem to be highly thought of but are expensive. Are they worth the money or is there an alternative.

Thanks

[Zak33]

Hello all, I have a wireless be unlimited upto 24meg connection running from a Speedtouch standard issue modem/router at the moment. Both my boys like playing DOW 2 online and I was wondering if there is an alternative wireless N combo that fits the bill. They like playing at the same time so it would have to be able to accomodate two connections. Tried some research and Draytek seem to be highly thought of but are expensive. Are they worth the money or is there an alternative.

Thanks

Draytek tend to be the alternative to stuff that's already more expensive.

But put it this way: A graphics card lasts you 1-2 years (£120 - £150 ish). A CPU the same (£80-£150 ish), maybe a tad more. A PSU and case... 4 -5 years (£80 - £100).

A router wil last until the next network upgrade in your area.. so at least 4 -5 years in you get the ADSL2+ versions. And as connectivity is more impotant than anything else...

If you're still on ADSL Max (up to 8mb) then get an older Draytek, like a Vigor 2600 second hand. Pay around £25 to £30. Top drawer jobbo.

Mine is still working for me daily because I'm not upgraded to the new ADSL2+ yet.

[LuckyNV]

do you need wireless N?

If not DG834GT should be fine, I have several PCs in the house with wireless, and 24Mbps internet (only sync upto 21Mbps due to distance, but that is better than most)
Got it for under £30 on Ebay.
You might be able to find a DG834N going for peanuts too.
(always check seller ratings)

Otherwise Draytek 2710n looks like a great router, I have one for the office, almost makes me want one myself if it didn't come with a ~£120 price tag, regardless if they have a long technology life time, electronics invariably fail, I could buy 4 DG834GTs for 1 draytek, but it will come down to your needs. 2710n is very powerful, more than what the average household network needs.
Just IMHO of course.

[Tin Ribs]

Thanks for the replies, unfortunately not enough information was given to you. I am on ADSL2+ and would need the relevant hardware. The reason for wireless N is that one of the boys bedroom is getting a weak signal due to the router having to go through walls etc so I assumed N was better for a stronger signal.

[jim]

Thanks for the replies, unfortunately not enough information was given to you. I am on ADSL2+ and would need the relevant hardware. The reason for wireless N is that one of the boys bedroom is getting a weak signal due to the router having to go through walls etc so I assumed N was better for a stronger signal.

I've never found that to be the case really - connection through obstacles has always been fairly average in my opinion.

I came to the conclusion that a decent G router gives pretty much equal performance to a typical N router... I guess it all depends how much you want to spend. Excluding beamforming, I've never really seen anything that impressive for improving wireless performance over what G gives.

[Tin Ribs]

Is all the fuss about Wireless N just a trick to get you to buy more hardware. It seemed to work on me

[jim]

The connection speeds are faster, so it's not all rubbish. And theoretically it has better range.

I've only found the former to be correct, that's all.

[LuckyNV]

Wireless through obstacles is hit and miss, all depends on the materials, wireless works poorly (G/N) in my house because the wifi connection must go through a metal I-beam.
Gave up and ended up routing a cable instead, took some effort but the end result is well worth it (cheaper too, you need just a long length of ethernet, dirt cheap, if you need more ports, just use a switch, again quite cheap)

I don't believe N has noticeably less resistance to physical interference, I could always be wrong, just from experience, its just more of the same buggery, just higher bandwidth.
Wifi does seem fine in conditions involving no physical interference, able to use a laptop zero issue over a long period of time, but the distance from the router was about 2-3 metres.

ps I'm referring to gaming, its entirely possibly to believe a wifi connection is stable if only using it for browsing, gaming on the other hand is much more demanding on the connection and can see any failings in connection.
Gaming - highly recommend going wired, hassle yes, but the gains definitely outweighs the effort.

[Anastie]

I would recommend using home plugs. They give a fast wired connection. Great for console gaming.

[badass]

I've never found that to be the case really - connection through obstacles has always been fairly average in my opinion.

I came to the conclusion that a decent G router gives pretty much equal performance to a typical N router... I guess it all depends how much you want to spend. Excluding beamforming, I've never really seen anything that impressive for improving wireless performance over what G gives.

Beamforming can really transform wireless.
Unfortunately if you want kit that uses it properly, look at paying around £500 for kit that really does it properly.

[peterb]

Wired connection better than homeplug better than wireless.

Draytel 2710 well worth it IMHO. So its £120 - but how much do you pay per month for your Adsl connection? Why scrimp on the one component that may make a difference?